Style: Big, Bold Mustard Flowers Look 2

For the second look of our Style Wheel Big Deal this month, I have taken our mustard floral top down a more casual road.

If you are new to The Art of Living Beautifully, each month I suggest one article of clothing (The Style Wheel Big Deal) I think is worthy of your investment, and then show multiple ways to style it. You can find all past Style Wheel Big Deal posts under the Style Wheel section of this blog.

Little blouses like this one are always so versatile. Last week we were headed to work or church in our floral top and buffalo-checked midi skirt, today we can run errands in the comfy traveler pant from CAbi and wedge booties. I like breaking up this jewel tone combination of army green, mustard, amethyst and cranberry with the cool blue chambray.

Everyone has their own personal style–if you don’t completely understand what your personal style entails or how to identify it, pay attention to this next part. Ask yourself these next few questions:

When do you feel you look the best? Worst? ie, when you wear a certain color, silhouette, pattern, length, brand etc…What vibe do you like to put out there? Artsy? Classic? Playful? Feminine?

In my casual everyday looks like ours today, I like pieces to come together a touch more masculine. I often wear over-sized, somewhat shapeless tops. I know that sounds strange, but you can embrace the zaney-er parts of your tastes and wardrobe when it comes to personal style. That’s what makes it personal.

For dressier occasions I prefer very tailored silhouettes. I don’t typically wear ruffles or bows. My first job out of college was working as a Stylist for Calvin Klein, which is where I developed my simpler tastes for evening and preference for clean lines.

Don’t be afraid to admit some trends/shapes/colors won’t work on you. I don’t often wear pastels because I feel washed out. I’ve tried several times and so far I haven’t had luck with high-waisted, wide leg jeans…so I’ve put that trend on hold for the time being. I may revisit it in the future, but your future self will thank you when you see that less than flattering look in a picture. 🙂

Fashion is quirky. You have to be brave but you also need to know when to say no; and the only way to find this kind of wisdom is to give it a try. Pair bold, mustard flowers with army pants. Pair them with cut offs. Pair them with a leather skirt. Pair them plaid pants. Go ahead. Like the flowers the look may grow on you.

You can read my entire article about this trend in the October issue Allen Image Magazine. Click here to see the online issue.